There is much to be said about a Barossa Valley weekend well spent. And well, spent I certainly am. Or was, it’s taken me a week to put this post together, so that will give you some idea. Haha. As I wait for my plane, killing an hour or two before I’m due to board, I reflect on this. I can’t help but feel a little sentimental about the new friends I’ve made and now waved off. Bonded by women being great and generous with each other.
And wine, we are bonded by wine.
When Nat spoke to me about joining her on a business retreat for her clients in the Barossa Valley, I was always a yes. Nat plus wine plus business is a clear yes from me. Every single time. With the year whizzing by the retreat weekend was upon me before I knew it. A month of back to back events and commitments and by the time I boarded the plane in Brisbane I was in need of a time out.
The Barossa Valley was a perfect combination of time out, great company and business inspiration. All my favourite things in the one place. We toured some beautiful wineries (I’ve added some of my photos below, there are just too many to add them all here) and I was reminded time and time again why knowing and communicating with your customer is so important. These were, predominately, boutique businesses carving their own path, one person at a time.
That’s me. That’s what I do.
And to be honest, with only slightly less wine. In reality, it’s each of us. Whether we are running our own business or just managing our positions in the world, that’s us. From when we wake in the morning until we go to sleep at night we are communicating and doing our best; in business, in relationships, in work and play. Relationships and flexibility are so essential to success in life.
Wine and cheese feel pretty darn essential to such things as well. Along with good friends, long conversations and lots and lots of laughter. I loved the Barossa Valley, it was such a beautiful place to visit and stay (I’d go back in a second and book into some more day spas, to be honest) but it was this reminder that I loved most. That people matter, relationships matter and that more often than not, it’s all that matters.
Enjoy the photos team, have you been to the Barossa Valley? Do you have a favourite winery?
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
Love the Barossa! My parter’s originally from SA and his parents now live about a 20 min drive away, so we try and sneak a quick day trip there at least once a year. I forget the name of one of our absolute faves (it’s on a dirt road, specialises in VERY good reds!), but I also really like the Bethany winery too.
When we were there last we also did a quick drive to the sculpture park, some lovely churches in the villages, Maggie Beers (because, Maggie Beer!) and a very tasty German bakery. The whole region is just delightful (but I was unaware of the presence of day spas! May need to investigate further).
I’d love to see more of what Adelaide has to offer. I went to Glenig (sp?) but only overnight and man it was gorgeous. The day spa we were eyeing off was at the Novatel, but I’m sure there must be others. Haha.
I love the Barossa and feel so lucky to have it less than an hour’s drive away. Even luckier still to have Barossa roots – my Irish ancestors settling there in the 1870’s, my stonemason gr gr grandfather helping to build some of the beautiful buildings around Angaston.
Glad to see you made it to Maggie Beers – one of my favourite stops on a Barossa weekend, for a basket of nibbles overlooking the lake.
It’s such a beautiful place and I enjoyed checking out all the diverse wineries and buildings and just ALL the things.